Category: Uncategorized

  • Tune Talk makes staff co-owners ahead of IPO

    Tune Talk announces the establishment of an Employee Share Trust Scheme (ESTS), a strategic initiative designed not only to recognize employee contributions and position staff as equity participants, but also to strengthen long-term financial security for its workforce as the company accelerates its path toward an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

    With employees contributing significantly to Tune Talk’s growth, the establishment of the ESTS reflects the company’s commitment to recognizing their hard work and ensuring they benefit directly from the value they help create.

    The ESTS empowers employees to directly share in the company’s momentum, giving them a real stake in the value they help build as Tune Talk accelerates toward its next phase of growth.

    The scheme reflects Tune Talk’s belief that modern, high-growth companies have a responsibility to look beyond short-term incentives and play a role in improving the economic resilience of their people. It also aligns with the Malaysian government’s broader efforts to address immediate financial wellbeing and encourage sustainable wealth accumulation among the workforce.

    As part of the ESTS, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Gurtaj Singh Padda have voluntarily transferred 4.15% of the total issued share capital of Tune Talk Sdn Bhd into a dedicated Trust Fund for the benefit of Tune Talk employees (Beneficiaries), executed pursuant to a formal Trust Deed.

    The shares placed into the Trust will be held and managed by appointed Trustees, reinforcing Tune Talk’s commitment to long-term stewardship and responsible value sharing.

    The ESTS has been established to create a flexible structure that enables employees to participate meaningfully in the value they help generate, including the distribution of dividends or performance-based rewards ahead of the IPO, and to provide financial support to employee’s welfare where necessary. Upon IPO, the Trust will act as a vehicle to distribute the shares and subsidize Beneficiaries in acquiring shares pursuant to the ESOS framework.

    As the first telco in Malaysia to introduce an ESTS of this nature, Tune Talk is establishing a new standard for employee value participation by offering immediate, tangible financial benefits alongside a clear pathway to equity ownership. The initiative ensures that employees share directly in the company’s momentum in real time, reinforcing Tune Talk’s commitment to recognizing their contributions with meaningful rewards as the organization moves toward its IPO.

  • RHB expands access to higher education with Shariah-compliant financing

    RHB Banking Group (RHB or the Group) has introduced Commodity Murabahah Term Financing-i (CMTF-i) Education Financing (RHB Education Financing-i), a Shariah-compliant solution designed to help Malaysian families manage the rising cost of higher education.

    With many students delaying or forgoing tertiary studies due to financial constraints, RHB Education Financing-i offers a flexible and affordable financing option that enables families to invest in education without undue financial pressure.

    Key features of RHB Education Financing-i:

    • Joint Applicant Flexibility: The solution allows up to three joint applicants, excluding the main applicant. This enables families to combine income eligibility, thus reducing individual financial burden. This option is limited to immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings, or children).
    • Extended Tenure & Grace Period: Financing terms of up to 20 years or age 70 (whichever earlier), with a grace period of up to four (4) years during the course of study. This enables students to focus entirely on their academic performance, without the pressure of principal payment during their studies.
    • Generous Financing Range: From RM10,000 up to RM500,000, covering tuition and related expenses.
    • Inclusive Coverage: Supports undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes, catering to both students and working adults.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director, Group Community Banking of RHB Banking Group said, “Access to higher education should never be limited by financial constraints. We are committed to playing our part in addressing this national challenge by providing families with practical and ethical financing options. This is in line with RHB’s objective of being a Responsible and Purposeful Bank – one that empowers Malaysians to pursue their academic ambitions and contribute to the country’s long-term growth.”

    Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad added, “RHB Education Financing-i is based on the Shariah concept of Commodity Murabahah, ensuring ethical and transparent financing. Phase 1 of the rollout focuses on financing for studies at domestic institutions to support the local education ecosystem, with plans to expand to overseas education financing in the next phase.”

  • Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

    Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

    Hong Leong Assurance (HLA) introduces HLA Legacy Wealth, a next-generation insurance solution designed to help individuals build, preserve, and pass on their wealth with clarity and care. The policy includes Loyalty Bonuses of up to 25% of the Basic Sum Assured, credited directly into the policy and compounded over time; the Lapse-Free Zone, a first-of-its-kind feature in Malaysia that ensures policy continuity beyond age 95 even in adverse market conditions; and the Death Benefit Settlement Options (DBSO), which allow policyholders to customise how and when their wealth is distributed.

    While wills, trusts and family offices remain essential components of estate planning, insurance continues to be one of the most widely adopted tools — offering both accessibility and structure. HLA Legacy Wealth complements these traditional instruments by providing a practical starting point for legacy planning.

    To enhance its investment potential, HLA Legacy Wealth offers access to a curated selection of funds, including the newly introduced HLA Strategic Global Equity Fund, managed by Hong Leong Asset Management in partnership with Amundi Singapore Limited — part of Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager with over USD 2.7 trillion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2025). This global equity portfolio is designed to deliver medium to long-term capital growth.

    What truly sets HLA Legacy Wealth apart is its thoughtful approach to long-term financial security and legacy distribution. The Lapse-Free Zone offers true peace of mind in the later years of life, ensuring that the policy remains in force even when market conditions are unfavourable — a reassurance for those who want their legacy to endure without interruption. This feature reflects HLA’s commitment to protecting wealth not just during accumulation, but throughout the final stages of life.

  • Lazada partners with POP MART for faster access to collectibles

    Lazada has partnered with POP MART once again to expedite collector’s journey, delivering a more seamless and enjoyable experience with faster access to sought-after IP collectibles. With Lazada’s new logistics enhancements, fans will enjoy faster deliveries, lower shipping costs and smoother return process.

    Starting today, shoppers across Malaysia will enjoy enhanced collector experience with orders dispatched within 48 hours and arriving in as fast as 2 days. Fans can now shop their favourite POP MART collectibles on LazMall with full confidence, knowing they’re buying through a trusted and authentic channel for total peace of mind. The same enhanced experience will also be extended to POP MART fans in Singapore and Indonesia, bringing even more joy to collectors across the region.

    Reinforcing the eCommerce Foundation for a More Effortless Collector Journey

    The new logistics upgrades are part of Lazada’s broader mission to make shopping not just fast, but also frictionless and reliable. Fans can expect:

    • Faster dispatch and deliveries: Orders will be shipped within 48 hours, and will arrive in as fast as two days
    • Lower shipping fees: Optimised logistics help reduce costs borne by shoppers and make premium art toys more accessible than ever.
    • Hassle-free returns: Shoppers will enjoy LazMall 30-day free return policy, with more localised processes to ensure that refunds are easy and fuss-free.

    “As the toy collector community in Southeast Asia continues to grow, we want to make every moment of the shopping journey on Lazada, from discovery to delivery, to feel effortless, seamless and exciting,” said Kaya Qin, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Malaysia. “These enhancements are about more than speed; they’re about elevating the experience of collecting something you truly love.”

    Improving Accessibility for Collectors across Southeast Asia

    Lazada’s ongoing partnership with POP MART showcases the blending of commerce and culture, transforming the art of collecting into a multi-faceted experience. The collaboration has enabled Lazada to bring the brand to life through vibrant community experiences and exclusive drops – from the Lazada x POP MART 5 KM Run in Southeast Asia – including Malaysia’s energetic edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025 – to the POP TOY SHOW event in Singapore this August, where Lazada also hosted the brand’s first Regional Super Brand Day (RSBD) concurrently to share the excitement with all its regional fans online.

    These touchpoints reflect Lazada’s growing commitment to nurturing Southeast Asia’s art toy movement by improving access and convenience online as well as creating opportunities to connect offline for all fans.

  • Malaysians won’t pay for sustainability: 91% desire clashes with budget reality

    Malaysians won’t pay for sustainability: 91% desire clashes with budget reality

    According to the Malaysia Consumer Trend Report 2025, a nationwide survey of 500 Malaysians has found that 91% of consumers are open to the idea of purchasing sustainable products. However, this intention is heavily tempered by price sensitivity, with the majority only willing to pay less than 10% more, revealing a significant gap between eco-conscious desires and purchasing reality.

    This brings us to the pivotal question: while people may care about the planet, are they willing to pay more to protect it? The data reveals a clear answer: only if the price is right.

    Widespread adoption is blocked by three major barriers:

    • cost (most will only pay <10% more),
    • credibility (32.4% are not sure if eco-friendly claims are real), and
    • convenience (18.2% find sustainable products hard to find).

    In short, consumers want to buy green, but to do so confidently, they need clarity, price confidence, and better accessibility to actually follow through.

    Growing Awareness Doesn’t Always Translate into Action
    This intention-action gap is further highlighted in daily habits. While many Malaysians are familiar with the core pillars of sustainability, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, full adoption is still a work in progress.
    “Malaysians are trying, but their sustainability behaviour is still fragmented,” said See Toh Wai Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Central Force International. “While the intention exists, execution is often uneven due to habit, lack of infrastructure, or simple inconvenience. This is where businesses can step in to make sustainable choices.”

    According to the report, only 48.8% of Malaysians consistently practice the 3Rs, meaning that vast amounts of valuable resources still end up in landfills. In Selangor alone, 10,000 tons of waste are generated daily, making it the nation’s largest contributor and a significant source of emissions. The urgency is clear, businesses must step up with practical, low-friction solutions such as refill programs, recycling partnerships, and in-store prompts to help turn consumer awareness into consistent green action.

    Furthermore, action-reward steps are a powerful way to encourage change. Motivation is key: the study found that 26.2% of Malaysians would practice 3R habits more often with rewards.

    “Consumers are open to adopting greener habits, but they want it to feel worthwhile, not burdensome. Therefore, simple reward systems can build lasting habits,” added See Toh.

    The survey indicates that while a willingness to adopt sustainable habits exists, consumers remain practical in their approach. To align with this value-driven mindset, businesses must tailor their products to offer clear and compelling value. This behavior suggests that purchasing decisions are influenced more by conscious prioritisation than by a lack of interest or weak habits regarding sustainability.

    Festive Spending: A Resilient Economic Engine
    Per the survey, consumers’ selective spending behaviour, and purchase priorities are shown to extend to other areas as well. Examining spending patterns during culturally meaningful occasions like festivals, for example, highlights a continued willingness to spend as they prioritise on sectors that prioritise celebrations, gifting, and presentation. Supporting this trend, the report also uncovered that festive spending remains a non-negotiable priority for Malaysians, defying broader cost-of-living pressures. This cultural spending is a powerful economic driver, evidenced by a 5.7% year-on-year jump in wholesale and retail trade to RM154 billion during the festive period.

    How to Win the Sustainable Shopper
    To succeed in this space, a strategy must reflect both the emotional support for eco-consciousness and the financial realities of daily life. The report advises businesses to make their products: Affordable, Transparent, Accessible and Motivating

    Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s an evolving consumer expectation.

     

  • Invest Malaysia highlights country’s growth potential at ASEAN Conference

    Bursa Malaysia (the Exchange) concludes the third edition of its Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025), which was held in Singapore in collaboration with the Macquarie ASEAN Conference 2025. A flagship programme by Bursa Malaysia, Invest Malaysia strategically profiles Malaysia’s capital market to global investors, highlighting the nation’s robust economic fundamentals, dynamic capital market and growth opportunities that underpin its appeal as a compelling investment destination in the region.

    Co-hosted by Bursa Malaysia and Macquarie, the event attracted over 250 delegates comprising institutional investors and fund managers across the ASEAN region, representing assets under management (AUM) exceeding RM220 trillion (approximately USD52 trillion). Headlined by YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, Investment, Trade & Ministry (MITI) Malaysia, the session also featured Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bursa Malaysia, and Verena Lim, Macquarie Asia CEO and co-Head of Infrastructure in Asia Pacific for Asset Management.

    In her welcome remarks, Macquarie Asia CEO Verena Lim, cited MITI’s proactive stakeholder engagements as one of the key factors in the considerable growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia in recent years. Referencing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience, Macquarie continues to see investment thematic in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure.

    YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, MITI, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains, suggest that open economies such as Malaysia and ASEAN need to be responsive and build resilience. He outlined Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair to strengthen regional resilience and position ASEAN as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper ASEAN economic integration to safeguard the region’s growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy. He also added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and “safe harbour” measures needed to secure investor confidence.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, CEO, Bursa Malaysia reiterated Malaysia’s investment appeal noting that “Malaysia’s capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors. Through Invest Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia connects global investors to the diversity, dynamism and potential of our markets. The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth.” As at 1 August 2025, Bursa Malaysia has had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. It maintained lead position in the ASEAN region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised.

    “This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value, and offering opportunities for investment. As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia’s economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally,” Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed added.

    Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide. In 2025 alone, the series has already made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest ASEAN-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (June) – each reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.

  • MyCIF surpasses RM1 Billion co-investment mark

    The Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) has exceeded RM1 billion in total co-investments since its inception, a major a milestone in supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

    MyCIF, set up by the Ministry of Finance under Budget 2019, has been a pivotal force in the financing landscape, utilising equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platforms to channel funds into MSMEs.

    Since its inception, more than 9,500 MSMEs have benefited from MyCIF’s co-investments.
    In its Annual Performance Report 2024 released today, MyCIF said total co-investments reached RM1.19 billion as of end-2024, with RM264 million invested in 2024 alone.

    MyCIF has attracted 4.1 times in private sector funding for every ringgit invested, demonstrating a strong crowding-in effect. This saw a 21.4% increase in total private investment.

    The RM1.19 billion total co-investments by MyCIF represents 4.6 times of RM260 million total funds disbursed from the Government to date into the program, demonstrating efficient use of public funds.

    In addition to the General Scheme 1:4 co-investment, MyCIF continues to bolster strategic and underserved segments of the economy through targeted schemes. These include Food Security and Environmental & Social Enterprise Schemes with preferential 1:2 co-investment ratio.
    Co-investments in these segments rose to RM7 million in 2024 from RM3.4 million in 2023, reflecting MyCIF’s strengthened commitment to targeted investment areas.

    Under Budget 2025, MyCIF has earmarked up to RM40 million for promoting innovative Islamic risk-sharing financing through ECF and P2P platforms.

    This allocation complements existing MyCIF schemes and aims to encourage greater adoption of Islamic financing structures (Musharakah and Mudharabah concepts) by offering the following incentives:

    • MyCIF will invest on a first-loss basis in ECF and P2P campaigns based on Islamic risk-sharing models; and
    • For P2P campaigns, MyCIF will additionally invest at 0% financing rate.

    In July 2024, MyCIF introduced the Environmental & Social Impact Scheme to support impact-driven businesses in environment, community, food security, education, and healthcare sectors. The scheme also extends to MSMEs financing Waqf asset development projects within these focus areas.

    To enhance awareness and access to financing, MyCIF hosted its inaugural Nationwide Roadshow in Penang in February 2025, themed “Empowering Financing, Advancing Growth.” The event, supported by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), aimed to raise MyCIF’s profile and benefits among MSMEs in the northern states of Malaysia.

  • Kajian Shopee dedah pembeli Malaysia kini seimbangkan harga dan kualiti

    Kajian Shopee dedah pembeli Malaysia kini seimbangkan harga dan kualiti

    Rakyat Malaysia masih berhati-hati dengan perbelanjaan mereka, namun kini mereka juga meneliti strim langsung dan video produk sebelum membuat pembelian. Menurut tinjauan pengguna terkini dari Shopee*, walaupun 42% responden masih mengutamakan diskaun dan harga rendah, sebilangan yang lebih besar iaitu 58% kini meletakkan keutamaan kepada kualiti produk dan kredibiliti penjual dalam menentukan sama ada sesuatu pembelian itu benar-benar berbaloi.

    Trend baharu ini menandakan perubahan ketara dalam landskap e-dagang: pengguna masih peka terhadap harga, namun tidak lagi membuat keputusan berdasarkan diskaun semata-mata. Sebaliknya, mereka menggunakan pelbagai ciri yang membina kepercayaan seperti Shopee Live, Shopee Video, kandungan affiliate dan ulasan yang sahih untuk mencapai keseimbangan antara kemampuan dan kualiti. Golongan pengguna ini lebih berwaspada dan bijak, memanfaatkan teknologi digital untuk memaksimumkan nilai setiap ringgit serta memastikan keputusan pembelian yang lebih bernilai.

    Pengesahan Kualiti Produk Melalui Bukti Sosial

    Walaupun harga kekal sebagai faktor penting, pengguna masa kini tidak sekadar mencari diskaun, mereka juga menilai kualiti produk menggunakan pelbagai ciri yang tersedia di platform.

    Lebih 60% pengguna Malaysia memanfaatkan ciri seperti baucar harian, pulangan tunai, Syiling Shopee dan label ‘Lagi Murah’ bagi mendapatkan penjimatan terbaik. Malah, 79% responden melaporkan bahawa mereka menggabungkan pelbagai baucar untuk memaksimumkan penjimatan, manakala 40% aktif mencari label ‘Lagi Murah’ bagi memastikan mereka mendapat harga terendah. Namun, pendekatan baharu ini disertai dengan semakan lanjut menerusi ciri-ciri tambahan seperti Shopee Live dan Shopee Video.

    Sebanyak 83% pengguna menyatakan bahawa mereka menggunakan Shopee Live sebagai panduan pembelian. Penstriman langsung bukan sahaja bersifat interaktif dan menghiburkan, malah turut menampilkan demonstrasi produk dalam masa nyata, interaksi jujur antara penjual dan pelanggan serta promosi eksklusif. Kesemuanya membina keyakinan yang tidak dapat dicapai menerusi paparan produk statik. Pembelian kini bukan sekadar soal harga, tetapi nilai menyeluruh yang dirasai pengguna.

    Kandungan video pendek seperti Shopee Video pula menjadi sumber ulasan pantas dan boleh dipercayai yang menambah keyakinan pembeli. Sekitar 70% responden mempercayai cadangan pencipta kandungan, terutamanya apabila disokong oleh penilaian penjual yang tinggi dan ulasan pengguna yang telah disahkan. Bagi produk atau penjual baharu, hampir separuh responden menyatakan bahawa penilaian penjual dan ulasan pembeli adalah rujukan paling penting. Ini menunjukkan permintaan yang semakin meningkat terhadap bukti sosial dan ketelusan, di mana nilai produk turut merangkumi pengesahan komuniti.

    Menilai Semula Erti “Berbaloi”: Kualiti + Mampu Milik = Pembelian Bijak

    Trend ini mencerminkan perubahan kekal dalam tabiat membeli-belah dalam talian rakyat Malaysia. Pengguna kini tidak hanya mengklik pada produk paling murah – mereka menilai, membandingkan, dan mencari bukti kualiti. Maka, penjual perlu menawarkan tawaran menarik sambil melabur dalam kandungan berinformasi, penglibatan masa nyata dan pengalaman yang membina kepercayaan.

    Bagi memenuhi keperluan pembeli bijak ini, Shopee giat memperkembangkan ekosistem affiliate melalui pelbagai inisiatif daripada menggalakkan lebih banyak kandungan bentuk pendek menerusi Video Missions, membimbing pencipta kandungan berkualiti tinggi melalui Content Creator Club, hinggalah memudahcara padanan affiliate secara strategik antara penjual dan jenama. Usaha ini semakin membuahkan hasil yang ketara: dalam kempen Raya Bersama Shopee dan Festival Fesyen & Kecantikan 5.5 baru-baru ini, affiliate menyumbang kepada 1 daripada setiap 3 pesanan, sekali gus membuktikan peranan besar mereka dalam mendorong penukaran melalui kandungan yang dipercayai dan mudah didekati. Pembangunan berterusan ini mencerminkan komitmen Shopee untuk membekalkan pengguna dengan kandungan yang lebih bermakna dan diyakini, menyokong keputusan pembelian yang lebih bijak serta membantu penjual berkembang dan menyumbang kepada kemajuan ekonomi digital jangka panjang.

    Komitmen ini telahpun menunjukkan hasil yang nyata buat penjual tempatan seperti Mohd Naimran Nordin, pengasas jenama Adnaa yang dikenali dengan busana tradisional elegan dan mampu milik. Sepanjang kempen Raya Bersama Shopee, jualan Adnaa meningkat sebanyak 170% hasil penggunaan alat kandungan interaktif seperti Shopee Live dan Shopee Video. Naimran berkongsi bahawa alat ini “menghidupkan rekaan kami, membolehkan pelanggan melihat kualiti dan potongan secara langsung.” Sepanjang kempen tersebut, Adnaa mencatatkan peningkatan pesanan melalui Shopee Live (116%), Shopee Video (281%), dan yang paling ketara, melalui kandungan affiliate (227%).

    Kejayaan Adnaa menunjukkan mengapa Shopee terus memberi tumpuan kepada kandungan dan komuniti. “Pengguna hari ini lebih berpengetahuan berbanding sebelum ini,” kata Tan Ming Kit, Ketua Pemasaran Shopee Malaysia. “Mereka bukan sekadar mencari harga terendah, bahkan mereka mencari keyakinan dan nilai yang bermakna. Oleh itu, kami melabur dalam alat seperti Shopee Live, Shopee Video, dan memacu kandungan affiliate. Kami mahu memperkasakan rakyat Malaysia untuk berbelanja dengan lebih bijak, dan pada masa yang sama, membantu penjual memacu penukaran melalui pembinaan kredibiliti dan hubungan yang bermakna.”

    Perubahan ke arah pembelian yang lebih bijak ini adalah satu anjakan struktur yang berkekalan. Bagi jenama dan penjual, nilai kini tidak lagi bergantung kepada harga semata-mata, tetapi pada gabungan kemampuan dengan keyakinan.

  • Shopee study reveals: Malaysian shoppers now balance price with quality

    Shopee study reveals: Malaysian shoppers now balance price with quality

    Malaysians are still watching their wallets – but they’re also watching livestreams and product videos before making a purchase. According to Shopee’s latest consumer survey*, while 42% of respondents still value discounts and low prices, a greater number – 58% – now prioritise product quality and seller credibility when deciding if something is truly worth it.

    This emerging trend of smart spending signals a new chapter in e-commerce: shoppers remain price-conscious, but they’re no longer buying blindly based on discounts alone. Instead, they are leveraging Shopee’s trust-building tools such as Shopee Live and Shopee Video, affiliate content, and trusted reviews to find the right balance between affordability and quality. Smart shoppers are more intentional, using digital tools to stretch every ringgit and ensuring valuable purchase decisions.

    Validating Product Quality Through Social Proof
    While price remains a key motivator, today’s shoppers aren’t just chasing discounts – they investigate product quality from readily available tools before buying.

    Around 60% of Malaysians use built-in features like daily vouchers, cashback offers, Shopee Coins, and the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to find the best deals. In fact, 79% of respondents reported stacking vouchers to maximise their savings, while 40% actively searched for the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to ensure they’re getting the lowest possible price. But here’s what’s new: shoppers are complementing these tools with deeper research and validation features, especially Shopee Live and Shopee Video.

    Nearly 83% of users now use Shopee Live to help them decide what to buy. These livestreams provide more than just entertainment – with real-time demos, authentic seller interactions, and exclusive deals – they create a sense of trust that static product listings can’t replicate. It’s not just about what is cheapest, but why it’s worth buying.

    Short-form content, like Shopee Video, serve as quick, credible reviews that further build buyer confidence. Around 70% of respondents trust creator recommendations, especially when backed by strong seller ratings and verified user reviews. And when trying out new products or new sellers, nearly half of all respondents consider seller ratings and buyer reviews as their most important reference point. This shows a growing demand for social proof and transparency where product value includes social validation.

    Redefining “Worth It”: Quality + Affordability = Smart Spending
    This emerging trend marks a lasting evolution in Malaysian online shopping habits. Today’s consumers aren’t just clicking on the cheapest item – they’re evaluating, comparing, and looking for proof of product quality. That means offering compelling deals and investing in real-time engagement, informative content, and trust-building experiences.

    In response to the rise of smart shoppers, Shopee is actively expanding its affiliate ecosystem from driving more short-form content through Video Missions, nurturing high-quality creators via the Content Creator Club, and facilitating targeted affiliate matchmaking for sellers and brands. These efforts are beginning to show meaningful impact: in the recent Raya Bersama Shopee and 5.5 Fashion & Beauty Festival, affiliates contributed 1 in 3 orders, underscoring their powerful role in driving conversion through trusted, relatable content. This ongoing development reflects Shopee’s commitment to equipping shoppers with richer, trusted content that supports smarter purchase decisions, ultimately helping sellers grow and contributing to long-term digital economic progress.

    This commitment is already delivering tangible results for local sellers like Mohd Naimran Nordin, founder of Adnaa, a brand known for elegant and affordable traditional wear. During the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign, Adnaa’s sales grew by 170% through the use of Shopee’s content-driven tools like Shopee Live and Shopee Video which Naimran shared, “brought our designs to life, helping customers see the quality and fit in real-time.” During the campaign Adnaa saw orders grow across all features from Shopee Live (116%), Shopee Video (281%), and most impressively affiliate content (227%).

    Adnaa’s success reflects why Shopee is doubling down on content and community. “Today’s shoppers are more informed than ever,” says Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. “They’re not just looking for the lowest price – they’re looking for confidence and meaningful value. That’s why we’ve invested in tools like Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and driving affiliate content. We want to empower Malaysians to shop smarter and give sellers more ways to drive conversions through building credibility and connecting meaningfully.”

    This shift in smart shopping marks a lasting change. For brands and sellers, value is no longer just about price. It’s about layering affordability with trust.

  • LG Malaysia transforms HVAC industry through AI-driven innovation

    LG Malaysia (LG) is leveraging its outstanding core technologies, AI and intimate knowledge of different industries to deliver HVAC solutions for a smarter, more efficient future.

    The company’s latest breakthrough, the DUALCOOL™ AI air conditioner leverages on the company’s enhanced AI Core-Tech. Key innovative features include the AI kW Manager, which provides users with effortless control over energy consumption. Accessible via the ThinQ app, this tool offers real-time power usage data and allows users to set customised energy-usage limits. The groundbreaking Window Open Detection technology represents a significant leap in energy-saving capabilities, switching the air conditioner to energy-saving mode when it detects sudden temperature changes.

    The DUALCOOL™ AI air conditioner intelligently adapts to each user’s environment by detecting ambient conditions and automatically adjusting temperature, airflow direction, and speed for consistent comfort. The innovative Sleep Timer+ analyses user preferences and sleep patterns, creating the ideal sleeping environment by optimising temperature and operating quietly during rest hours. Additionally, the DUAL Vane™ system and Soft Air function further optimize airflow control for maximized comfort.

    LG Subscribe represents a revolutionary approach to making advanced technology accessible to everyone. More than just a subscription service, it removes financial barriers that typically limit access to premium air conditioning solutions, giving businesses and homeowners easy control over their indoor environment without the burden of high upfront costs.

    “LG Subscribe is our strategic vision of making advanced technology available to everyone. We’re breaking down the barriers between cutting-edge innovation and accessibility, ensuring that intelligent, life-enhancing technologies are not a luxury, but a standard that every business and household can experience. This is how we’re redefining the future of smart living,” said Justin Choi, Managing Director of LG Malaysia.

    The company’s comprehensive product range spans multiple segments, ensuring solutions for diverse market requirements. From residential offerings like ARTCOOL, Premium, Classic, and Lite categories to robust commercial solutions including Single Commercial Air Conditioning, VRF, and advanced Chiller systems, LG showcases unparalleled technological diversity. The range is complemented by 360° Air Purifier and Dehumidifier solutions, embodying the company’s holistic approach to creating comfortable indoor environments.